What would the holidays be without the heartwarming presence of homemade cranberry sauce? It’s the crowning jewel that elevates the festive feast, transforming it from a meal into a cherished tradition. The turkey, the dressing, the crescent rolls – none of them would be the same without it. The aroma of fast and easy homemade cranberry sauce gently wafting through the air is like a warm embrace, filling your home with comfort and seasonal good tidings.
Why I Make Homemade Cranberry Sauce
The first time I made homemade cranberry sauce, I was in for a delightful surprise. The taste difference was nothing short of remarkable and knowing it had the best ingredients possible made it even better to my heart. The crisp, fresh burst of flavor was a delight to everyone around the holiday table.
What’s even more astonishing is just how incredibly easy it is to it. In fact, it’s so straightforward that you’ll find it hard to believe you ever considered reaching for a can of cranberry sauce again.
This recipe generously yields about 16 servings, each one a quarter cup of pure cranberry delight. If you find that to be more than you need, you can always scale down the recipe. But let me offer you a piece of advice: once you’ve tasted the homemade version, you’ll never want to return to the canned variety.
It will become a cherished part of the holiday tradition, anticipated with eagerness by all. The combination of its crisp, sweet aroma and tart deliciousness marks the official arrival of the holiday season, setting the stage for cherished gatherings and culinary delights. Homemade cranberry sauce is not just a condiment; it’s a testament to the joy of sharing traditions and the love that goes into every homemade creation.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh organic cranberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 1/2 – 2 1/2 cups sugar OR 3/4 to 1 1/2 cups raw honey – according to taste
- 1/4 -1/2 teaspoon allspice – according to taste
- Glass jar or dish
Instructions
- Wash and rinse cranberries removing any stems and bruised berries.
- Put cranberries in a pot with 2 cups of water and heat to boiling.
- Continue to boil until cranberries pop open. When the cranberries pop open, the pectin is released from the fruit which will allow natural thickening.
- When most of the cranberries have burst open, mash them up in the pot. I use my stick wand mixer to puree them in the pot and this works great.
- Now add the sugar and allspice according to your taste.
- Let this boil for at least 5 minutes and test.
- Test for readiness: Place a small amount of the sauce on a glass plate and run your finger down the middle of it. If it runs back together, continue to boil a little longer and recheck. If it stays separated, it’s ready.
- Remove from heat and place in the glass container you wish to serve it from or in a glass jar with a lid.
- For a more festive look, use a jelly mold for the homemade cranberry sauce.
- Let chill until completely set, at least 3 hours.
FAQs About Homemade Cranberry Sauce
How long can homemade cranberry sauce be stored?
Homemade cranberry sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient make-ahead addition to your holiday preparations.
Can I freeze homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce can be frozen. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and it will stay fresh for up to two months. You’ll need to thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.
Can I adjust the sweetness of homemade cranberry sauce?
Absolutely! You can tailor the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less sugar during the cooking process. Taste and adjust as needed.
What can I pair with homemade cranberry sauce besides turkey?
Homemade cranberry sauce complements a variety of dishes. We often make it during the year, if we can find fresh organic cranberries. We like to have it with roast chicken, pork we smoked on the grill with our dry rub recipe, or as a spread for sandwiches.
Your imagination is the limit! We really like it on homemade buns and crescent rolls which we make year-round.
Homemade Cranberry Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh organic cranberries
- 2 cups water
- 1 ½ – 2 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ -1/2 teaspoon allspice – according to taste
Instructions
- Wash and rinse cranberries removing any stems and bruised berries.
- Put cranberries in a pot with 2 cups of water and heat to boiling.
- Continue to boil until cranberries pop open. When the cranberries pop open, the pectin is released from the fruit which will allow natural thickening.
- When most of the cranberries have burst open, mash them in the pot. I use my stick wand mixer to puree them in the pot and this works great.
- Now add the sugar and allspice according to your taste.
- Let this boil for at least 5 minutes and test.
- To test for readiness: Place a small amount of the sauce on a glass plate and run your finger down the middle of it. If it runs back together, continue to boil a little longer and retest. If it stays separated, it's ready.
- Remove from heat and place in the glass container you wish to serve it from or in a glass jar with a lid.
- Let chill until completely set, at least 3 hours.
Notes
- We like it kind of tart so I add 1 1/2 cups of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of allspice but adjust for your taste.
- I make my cranberry sauce two days before the meal because I want it to be really set. I pour it into a wide mouth quart jar, put the lid on it, and place it in the frig.
Nutrition
Wrap UP
In the world of holiday feasting and traditions, homemade cranberry sauce stands as a beloved staple, offering a burst of flavor that’s second to none. This easy-to-master recipe is proof that with a little effort and a dash of love, you can transform a humble bag of cranberries into a treasured tradition.
Once you’ve made homemade cranberry sauce, you’ll never open another can. My family looks forward to the crisp, sweet smell and tart deliciousness of it every year. It just wouldn’t be the holidays without it.
So, this holiday season, let the delightful aroma of homemade cranberry sauce fill your home and your heart, as you create moments that will be cherished for years to come. Homemade cranberry sauce isn’t just a condiment; it’s a symbol of the love and togetherness that defines the holiday season.
You May Also Enjoy
Homemade Einkorn Crescent Rolls
Homemade Cream of Mushroom Soup
Homemade cranberry sounds wonderful. Where do you get your organic cranberries? I would prefer to use organic also. Thanks 🙂
Judy, I get them from a couple of places. The farmer’s market here has a vendor who sells organic cranberries. Since their seasonal, he often doesn’t have them before the market closes. If he does, I like to buy a lot of them to freeze and dehydrate(not for this recipe of course). I also get them at Whole Foods and Kroger. Let me know if I can help in any other way. I’m glad you liked the article. The Cranberry sauce is delicious.
Hello again 🙂 Another question: for your cranberry sauce do you use the Wholesome brand Organic Cane Sugar that you use in your other recipes? I have some of that but I wasn’t sure if it could be substituted cup for cup for beet sugar.
Judy, The answer is yes ma’am it substitutes cup for cup. I don’t use beet sugar at all since it is a GMO project 99% of the time. Thanks for asking. Great question!
Rhonda this sounds wonderful!! I’m on the same page as you with the organic and non-gmo. I’m 53 and have the energy I did when I was 30. Lost all the menopause weight ( without dieting) skin cleared up, hot flashes gone and overall such a blessing. It’s a lifestyle change for sure but so well worth it!! There are so many deals now so you can keep cost down. Costco has been a blessing along with some local farms. If people want to do this they can even with limited funds. We find we eat less as you’re eating real food and the body knows this. Love your blog, looking forward to more!! Patti
Patti, you are so right. I too had all those changes. You’re right about eating less. We don’t snack at all and so many people ask me why I go hungry. I say, “I’m not hungry. My body doesn’t need a snack because it gets real food.” LOL Thank you so much for sharing and for your encouraging words.